A Christian who has worked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with an international organisation says these kind of abuses are “a common practice in countries where there is impunity, and a rape and sexual exploitation culture”.

“One out of every 18 people who try to cross the Mediterranean Sea from the African coast dies, while before it was one in 50”, MSF says.

The 630 people from 32 nationalities were received by interpreters, psychologists and medical doctors. Women in danger of being trafficked will receive special support.

Italy and Malta had refused to take the humanitarian ship in. New Spanish government offers Valencia as a safe harbour.

“We would be the 5th NGO in Spain, after the Catholic Church, the Red Cross, MSF and Aid in Action”, says Joan Grimá, author of the study "Social Action of Protestant NGOs and Churches in Spain."

Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders said 21 aid workers died. Air Force admits the original target was a Boko Haram camp in the region.

A MSF study warns about the high number of refugees in Italy who suffer mental health disorders due to the situation in their countries, the trauma of the journey and the inadequate reception conditions.

There were 45 unaccompanied children in one of the rescued boats. “The EU cannot turn its back to the people who risk their lives fleeing from violence, extreme poverty and political persecution.”